The award was established in 2004 to commemorate the work, life and mission of Joseph T. “Tom” Balistrere. He arrived in Waynesboro in 1978, and was a teacher and coach at the Waynesboro Area Senior High School. He started the “Biddy Ball” basketball program that later joined with the Waynesboro Area YMCA’s Youth Basketball League under his direction.

Balistrere preached his priorities — God, family, school and athletics — and instilled those same values in his students and players. He died suddenly of a heart attack on Dec. 10, 2003, at the age of 60.

The award is presented annually to the fifth- or sixth-grade YMCA Youth Basketball League player, boy or girl, who best exemplifies good sportsmanship, team work, fair play, honesty, respect, carin, and responsibility. Previous recipients are: